Maurice
Chapter One
A/N: This is a sequel to my earlier story, "I Wish". I would suggest you read that one before reading this one.
MIAMI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
"Jamaica Airlines Flight 148-B now arriving at Gate 34D", intoned the feminine voice over the PA system.
A tall, lean, bald-headed man with dark brown skin exited the gate. He was in his early thirties and wore white tennis shoes, navy blue sweat pants with white pinstripes, and a white T-shirt.
At the baggage carousel, he plucked a wheeled black plastic suitcase and a black duffel bag off the conveyor belt.
"Andrew Hamilton, I presume?" cooed a feminine voice nearby.
Andrew set the suitcase down, pulled out its handle, and turned towards the voice. A petite dark-haired woman in her mid-fifties (at least, she sought to project the outward appearance of being as such) stood next to him. She had emerald-green eyes and was wearing white pumps, a white skirt, and a green tank top trimmed with white straps.
"Who are you? Who wants to know?" Andrew inquired. He spoke with a thick Jamaican accent.
Jeannie II smiled brightly, her eyes twinkling. "I ... am Jeannie," she said. "I can help you."
Andrew ignored her and walked away, wheeled suitcase in tow. "Not interested," he said.
Stupid woman, Andrew thought as he sat in the backseat of the cab. A total stranger ... thinking she can help ME.
What can she POSSIBLY do for ME?
Andrew entered the hotel room, towing his wheeled suitcase behind him. The room was sparse, cheap, and utilitarian ... just the way he liked them. All the better to slip into a city unnoticed.
He'd stayed in rooms just like it in cities all over the world - London, New York, Bangkok ... wherever his business took him.
"Nice place," said a familiar feminine voice next to him.
Andrew wheeled around, turning to face the voice. Jeannie II was standing in his hotel room, right next to him.
"YOU!" Andrew exclaimed as he faced Jeannie II. "The woman from the airport!"
"The very same," Jeannie II replied with a girlish smirk. She then added, "My name is Jeannie, by the way."
"Who are you? How did you get here?" Andrew snapped. He then turned around and began walking away. "I'm calling security ..."
Jeannie II folded her arms and blinked. At at once, Andrew found himself trapped inside an enchanted invisible box!
Andrew turned back towards Jeannie II. Who IS this woman? he thought, an expression of fear now on his face.
"I know all about you, Andrew," said Jeannie II, her demeanor now turning serious. She then clicked her tongue against her teeth and added, "Or should I say ... Maurice."